The Value of a Life – Part 5

“While we wait to be granted an audience with the King, I’ll start teaching you the layout of the palace. You’ll need to know it like the back of your hand, so you can deliver messages along the fastest route possible. And once you’ve pledged to the King, I’ll even show you the secret tunnels,” Tarc wiggled his eyebrows, and Mouse laughed.

They spent the morning roaming the palace and meeting the other staff. The cook gave him some fresh baked bread, and when he scarfed it down she pressed more food upon him, clucking about his skinniness.

Tarc waited patiently while he ate his fill, conversing warmly with all the kitchen staff as they bustled about. Just after midday, a runner came to summon them to the King.

“Mouse, meet Waylon. You’ll be working together, sometimes passing messages back-and-forth,” Tarc introduced them.

“Follow me,” Waylon said with a smile. He led them to a large set of double doors, a guard stationed on either side, before darting away down the hall.

Mouse looked at Tarc, who smiled reassuringly then nodded to the guards. The doors were pushed open, and they stepped into a cavernous throne room.

Mouse hardly knew where to look; the marble pillars stretching to the high ceiling, the purple velvet carpet leading a path to the dais, or the golden-edged throne that sat upon it.

Tarc led the way down the carpet, stopping in front of the dais to bow before the King on his throne. Mouse quickly copied him.

“Who have you brought before me, Tarc?” the King asked in a friendly tone.

“This is Mouse. He’s to be your newest runner.” Tarc gently nudged Mouse forward.

The King examined him. “Certainly a mouse would make a good runner, scurrying to and fro, but that’s no name for a strong boy of the royal household like yourself. As your king, I’ll give you a name.” He tapped his chin, muttering a few names to himself and shaking his head each time. Finally he paused and nodded once. “Calum,” he pronounced.

“Calum,” Mouse repeated slowly, feeling out the name. “Calum,” he said again and a smile broke out on his face.

…

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-Clever & WTF